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Outdoor Adventures help first-year students transition to college life

August 5, 2014

Outdoor Adventures help first-year students transition to college life

While most students mark the beginning of a semester by receiving syllabi on the first day of classes, first-year students enrolled in an Outdoor Adventure Program at Penn State Berks will begin their semester early by participating in one of two different outdoor excursions: canoeing or backpacking.

Designed to help first-year students with the transition to college, the optional Outdoor Adventure Program supplements required first-year seminar classes. Students form friendships, learn about college life and develop a deeper understanding of themselves through these learning opportunities — all before classes begin.

Canoeing Adventure: Aug. 17-20

Participants will camp out in tents on the banks of the Delaware River, enjoying breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife while learning about the value of teamwork through canoeing.

A Walk in the Woods: Aug. 19-21

This hiking and camping adventure will allow students to enjoy the solitude of the woods, cook outdoors, sleep under the stars and learn hiking skills in the beautiful outdoors of Old Rag mountain in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The group will solve problems and practice team building as a prelude to the college experience.

These programs are only open to first-year students. Participants earn general education credit upon successful completion of activities related to the respective program. For more information, contact Campus Life at 610-396-6076.